tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8598593770349608789.post4582680970288882313..comments2023-09-06T05:47:08.970-04:00Comments on Ministry and Parenting: Challenges AheadReverend Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01726370034631635093noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8598593770349608789.post-77295011441143411242010-08-28T12:53:19.644-04:002010-08-28T12:53:19.644-04:00Cathy,
Over 25 years ago when I started seminary,...Cathy,<br /><br />Over 25 years ago when I started seminary, there was one woman on faculty. The story is told of the day the faculty was interviewing a candidate for a faculty position. He was asked about his feelings towards women in ministry, and it was pointed out that there were a growing number of women studying there. One of the faculty members said something about the superiority of the women who were students. The female faculty member went ballistic (she was famous for her eccentricities). She said his comments were patronizing, and it wouldn't be until women were allowed to fail in ministry without being a reflection on all other women that we would have truly been accepted. So here it is, more than 25 years later, and we're still waiting for that day.Reverend Momhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01726370034631635093noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8598593770349608789.post-20430324644584954962010-08-28T11:45:44.920-04:002010-08-28T11:45:44.920-04:00It's strange, isn't it, that being a woman...It's strange, isn't it, that being a woman in leadership still presents such challenges. I was particularly bemused by the comment that some people might be cautious because they have had a bad experience with a woman pastor before. That just would not happen the other way round. There is no way a congregation would request a woman because they'd had a bad experience with a man.<br /><br />It's not just the church though. I heard the other day that sometimes female stand up comedians get gigs cancelled because a venue has a bad gig with a different female comic. Bizarre!<br /><br />I'm just so glad Jesus isn't prejudiced! <br /><br />I am fortunate in not having experienced sexist prejudice. The church leadership in our area does feel quite male though. I am part of a local group of women in leadership in our area and that is lovely. <br /><br />Good luck with it all! Praying you continue to enjoy the challenge!Cathyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03087506654942064061noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8598593770349608789.post-30257197385627111012010-08-22T16:32:29.158-04:002010-08-22T16:32:29.158-04:00I was surprised because the percentage against the...I was surprised because the percentage against the call was much higher than my 2 previous calls. I knew coming in that this congregation had a history of conflict. They were very upfront about the challenges they face as a congregation with strong personalities. The 85% have been so affirming, it helps diminish the concern over the 15%Reverend Momhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01726370034631635093noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8598593770349608789.post-3344775538621856842010-08-22T16:23:36.416-04:002010-08-22T16:23:36.416-04:00I'm not surprised. My DH and I are elders in o...I'm not surprised. My DH and I are elders in our church and that sort of thing is typical. Some people in mainline churches (which I'm assuming your is) are VERY conservative, especially the older ones. There is discrimination against women, against gays, against minorities, against single woman who adopt minority children, you name it. <br />I was hoping your honeymoon period with your new church would last a bit longer, and perhaps it will; perhaps this is to be expected. I don't recall who said it, but there is a famous quote that compares women preachers to talking dogs. The wonder is not that they do what they do well but that they do it at all. <br />I never fail to be astonished at the backbiting and nastiness that goes on among our congregation. A group of choir members literally drove a very nice, competent organist away because she was not of our faith. And she read books by authors of whom they didn't approve. And some other stupid stuff. I wouldn't be at al surprised if some of the people who voted against you were women themselves; we sometimes are our own worst enemies.<br />Try and think about the 85 percent who welcome you and don't worry about the 15 percent who opposed you. In time they may come around or they'll leave for a church more in line with their hidebound beliefs and more open-minded people will replace them.Miz Kizzlehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05650747741395559803noreply@blogger.com